Evelin Reyes Mendez

Taught undergraduate biology laboratories and supported students with experimental design, data analysis, scientific writing, and interpretation of biological results. Instructed enzyme experiments, spectrophotometry, ANOVA, and data visualization while maintaining safety and lab quality standards.

Supported multi-location corn field research across U.S. production regions, including plot evaluations, sentinel plots, and standardized biological assessments. Monitored European corn borer (ECB) and southwestern corn borer (SWCB) pressure and assessed insect-related crop injury. Collected field observations for Bt trait and insect-resistance management and maintained data in QuickApp with focus on quality, completeness, and traceability.

Conducted laboratory research related to biotechnology and bioenergy, including fungal pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. Collected and organized experimental data to support ongoing research activities.

Performed field crop pathology research on soybean diseases linked to Cercospora species under Dr. Sara Thomas Sharma. Supported studies on plant–pathogen–environment interactions and disease epidemiology, including factors affecting fungal disease development. Contributed to investigations of cercosporin production and its relationship to disease severity and management.

Supported field activities in natural-resource and agricultural landscapes, contributing to outdoor research logistics and environmental monitoring. Built hands-on experience with on-site study execution in physically demanding field conditions.

Designed and conducted multi-site field, greenhouse, and molecular ecology studies focused on crop and soil health fungal communities. Led a funded Honduras project across agricultural systems, managing study design, logistics, collaborations, sampling, and research delivery. Performed DNA extraction, ITS/SSU metabarcoding, and R-based multivariate statistical analysis with data visualization for large multi-site datasets.